Following the conclusion of the “Early Bird” registration period for three of USRowing’s most popular programs, standard registration for the full slate of programming is now open for the 2018 USRowing Annual Convention scheduled for December 6-9 at the Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa in the Mission Bay area of San Diego, Calif.

Hosted in partnership with the San Diego Crew Classic, registration for the Advanced Coaches Conference, Level 2 Coaching Certification and the revamped “Business of Rowing 2.0” will remain open through November 13, 2018. Additionally, the following are now available for purchase: General Pass, CRCA Coaches Conference, Referee Pass, Junior Day and Masters Program.

USRowing is offering discounts to those who register for multiple programs. Attendees have opportunities to save $100-150 when they add the Advanced Coaches Conference to their Level 2 Certification or CRCA Collegiate Coaches Conference, or when they add Business of Rowing 2.0 to the Advanced Coaches Conference. Registrants are encouraged to bundle and save to get the most of their time in San Diego.

“San Diego is a beautiful place for this year’s convention,” said USRowing Senior Events Manager AJ Dominique III. “The hotel is right on the water, and we will look to take every advantage of that location. Along with the invaluable expertise of the San Diego Crew Classic staff, we’re expecting a truly memorable event.”

Business of Rowing 2.0 will feature more robust programming as the America Rows Forum and Regatta Management track have been combined, expanding the offerings to topics applicable to any administrator. Scheduled speakers include Beth Anderson, DeDe Birch, Richard T. Butler, Steven Casey, Arshay Cooper, Alice Henderson, Amanda Kraus and the Positive Coaching Alliance.

USRowing and the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association are collaborating to return the CRCA Collegiate Coaches Conference to the annual convention. CRCA members will receive a discount, although all college coaches are invited to attend this track of programming.

Those who qualify as a masters or junior athlete (or the parent of of a junior athlete) who are USRowing members may register for the Masters Program or Junior Day. These programs are geared towards focusing on the interests and needs of each respective rowing population.

On the evening of Friday, December 7, women’s rowing will be celebrated at the ZLAC Clubhouse with women’s achievements in the sport and the history of women’s rowing being highlighted. At this historic rowing landmark, attendees will experience and learn about the history of the oldest women’s rowing club in the world.

On Sunday, December 9, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the Winter Classic. Having been around for over 40 years, the San Diego Crew Classic is the largest regatta in the world held specially for eights racing. Growing from a friendly showdown for collegiate rivals to an event open to rowers of all ages, the regatta is known to mark the start of the rowing season. In 2016, the Crew Classic established the the Winter Classic as a regatta to end the season, offering a head-style race to various boat classes. This year’s regatta will offer 31 events in single sculls, double sculls, quadruple sculls, fours with coxswain and eights. To register as a competitor, visit RegattaCentral.

“We are very excited to host the USRowing Annual Convention in conjunction with the Winter Classic,” said San Diego Crew Classic Executive Director Darlene Disney. “Whether athlete, coach or official, you will enjoy the great racing conditions on Mission Bay in December. Warm weather, flat water, hotel on the beach at the start and finish line, authentic luau and more!”

Prior to racing, attendees can relax and enjoy a traditional luau the evening of Saturday, December 8, leading into USRowing’s Annual Awards Reception. Plan to join us in celebrating the year in rowing and recognize the people and organizations that have made 2018 another banner year for the sport of rowing.

Throughout that day, a U23 National Team Identification Camp will take place. This is a great opportunity for rowers with national team aspirations to get a better understanding of what is required to succeed at the international level.

Visit RegattaCentral to register for programs at the 2018 USRowing Annual Convention.